Composer

:

George Walker

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1940 - 1960

Average_duration

:

3:50

"The Bereaved Maid" is a composition for solo piano by George Walker, an American composer and pianist. The piece was composed in 1946 and premiered in 1947. It is a single-movement work that lasts approximately six minutes. The piece is characterized by its mournful and melancholic tone, which is conveyed through the use of slow, lyrical melodies and rich harmonies. The opening section of the piece features a simple, yet haunting melody that is repeated throughout the work. The melody is accompanied by a series of arpeggios and broken chords that create a sense of longing and sadness. As the piece progresses, the melody becomes more complex and is developed through a series of variations. The harmonies also become more dissonant, adding to the sense of tension and unease. The middle section of the piece features a series of rapid arpeggios and runs that create a sense of urgency and desperation. The final section of the piece returns to the opening melody, but with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The harmonies become more consonant, and the piece ends on a quiet, peaceful note. Overall, "The Bereaved Maid" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Walker's skill as a composer and pianist. Its mournful tone and rich harmonies make it a popular choice for recitals and competitions.

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